Kartik Purnima & Dev Deepawali 2026: Date, Snan-Daan and Rituals

If Diwali is the festival of lights for humans, Dev Deepawali is the Diwali of the gods. On the full moon of Kartik, the 84 ghats of Varanasi glow with lakhs of diyas, and it is believed the devtas themselves descend to bathe in the Ganga. Kartik Purnima 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, and this year the same day also marks Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab), the Prakash Utsav of the first Sikh Guru. It is one of the most sacred full moons of the entire year — for snan, daan, deepdaan and quiet prayer.

Here is everything you need: the date, the meaning, a simple snan-daan vidhi, the astrology of this full moon and easy remedies you can do at home.

Kartik Purnima 2026 — quick facts

• Kartik Purnima: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
• Dev Deepawali (Varanasi): Tuesday, 24 November 2026 (evening)
• Guru Nanak Jayanti / Gurpurab: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
• Also called: Tripurari Purnima, Deva Diwali, Ganga Snan Purnima

Purnima tithi timing varies by location — please check your local panchang for exact snan and puja time.

Kartik Purnima 2026 Date and Why It Is So Sacred

Kartik is considered the holiest month of the Hindu calendar — the Skanda Purana says no month equals Kartik, just as no age equals Satya Yuga. Its full moon is the culmination of a month of early-morning baths, tulsi puja and deepdaan. If you have been asking “Kartik Purnima 2026 kab hai?”, mark Tuesday, 24 November.

Several sacred stories meet on this day:

• Tripurari Purnima: Lord Shiva destroyed the three flying cities (Tripura) of the asura Tripurasura on this day. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps in Kashi — the origin of Dev Deepawali.
• Matsya Avatar: many traditions associate Lord Vishnu’s first avatar, the fish, with Kartik Purnima.
• Kartikeya: in parts of South India, the day is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, and the Karthigai Deepam tradition of lamps is closely related in spirit.
• End of Tulsi Vivah and Bhishma Panchak: the five days from Dev Uthani Ekadashi to Purnima are observed as Bhishma Panchak by many devotees, and some regions conclude Tulsi Vivah celebrations on this day.

Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi

Dev Deepawali 2026 will be celebrated on the evening of 24 November. From Raj Ghat to Assi Ghat, steps are lined with earthen lamps, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh is performed on a grand scale, and boats carry visitors along the glowing riverfront. It is one of the most beautiful sights in India.

If you plan to visit: book stays and boats very early, reach the ghats well before sunset, keep valuables minimal and follow crowd-safety instructions. If you cannot travel, simply light diyas at your home’s entrance, on the tulsi platform, and — if you live near one — at a river, pond or temple. The spirit of Dev Deepawali is deepdaan, the gift of light, and it can be done anywhere.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2026 (Gurpurab)

Kartik Purnima is also the Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, whose message of Ik Onkar (one universal Creator), honest work (kirat karo), sharing (vand chhako) and remembrance of the Divine (naam japo) is as relevant today as ever. Gurdwaras hold Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheris and Nagar Kirtans in the days before, and on Gurpurab there are kirtans, katha and langar open to all. Visiting a gurdwara, doing seva in the langar or simply sharing food with someone in need is a beautiful way for anyone — of any faith — to honour this day.

Kartik Purnima Snan-Daan Vidhi

The two pillars of this day are snan (holy bath) and daan (charity). A simple method:

1. Brahma muhurat snan: wake before sunrise and bathe in the Ganga or any holy river if possible. At home, add a few drops of Ganga jal to your bathing water and remember the sacred rivers.
2. Surya arghya: offer water to the rising Sun with a copper lota.
3. Vishnu and Shiva puja: offer tulsi to Vishnu, bel patra and water to Shiva. Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Om Namah Shivaya”. Many families also do the Satyanarayan Katha on this Purnima.
4. Daan: donate according to your means — food grains, jaggery, blankets or warm clothes (very timely as winter begins), ghee, or diyas to a temple.
5. Deepdaan in the evening: light diyas at home, near tulsi, in a temple and, if possible, float a leaf-diya on a river.
6. Chandra arghya: after moonrise, offer water mixed with a little raw milk and rice to the Moon.

Astrology of the Kartik Purnima 2026 Full Moon

Every Purnima is a Sun–Moon opposition, and this one has some lovely features:

• Vedic (sidereal) view: the Sun moved into Scorpio on 16 November, so at this full moon the Moon stands opposite in Taurus (Vrishabh), its sign of exaltation. An exalted full Moon is considered excellent for emotional healing, mantra jaap, charity and family harmony.
• Western (tropical) view: it is the Full Moon in Gemini, popularly called the Beaver Moon, arriving just after Sagittarius season begins on 22 November. Gemini full moons highlight conversations, learning and short journeys — a good moment to clear misunderstandings.
• Venus is back in its own sign Libra since 22 November, after turning direct on 14 November — relationships and the arts feel supported.
• Jupiter, Ketu and Mars are together in Leo this month. This mix can feel spiritually intense, even restless; the calm, devotional rituals of Kartik Purnima are a wonderful balance for that fire energy.

In my consultations I often notice that people with a weak or afflicted Moon — those who feel anxious, overthink or have disturbed sleep — benefit greatly from consistent Purnima practice. Kartik Purnima is the best Purnima of the year to begin it. If you want to know what period is running in your chart, try the Vimshottari Dasha calculator.

Numerology of 24 November 2026

The date 24/11/2026 adds up to 24 + 11 + 10 = 45 → 9. Number 9 is ruled by Mars and stands for completion, courage, compassion and selfless service — a fitting vibration for a day that ends the holy month of Kartik and is devoted to daan and seva. The day number 24 itself reduces to 6 (Venus), adding beauty and devotion — very much the energy of lamp-lit ghats. Natives of Mulank 9 (born on the 9th, 18th or 27th) and Mulank 6 (6th, 15th, 24th) may feel this day strongly. Find your number with the Mulank & Bhagyank calculator, and for the whole month see our November 2026 numerology predictions.

Simple Kartik Purnima Remedies

• For peace of mind (Moon): offer milk-water arghya to the Moon and donate white items — rice, milk, sugar or white cloth.
• For prosperity: light a ghee diya in the north-east of your home and another at the main door; keep the house clean and lit in the evening.
• For family harmony: do the Satyanarayan Katha together or simply eat one meal together without phones.
• For ancestors: deepdaan at a river or a temple, with a prayer for the peace of your pitrs.
• For seekers: 108 repetitions of your Ishta mantra under the moonlight.

No remedy needs expense. A single diya lit with a sincere heart is more powerful than a costly ritual done without feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Kartik Purnima in 2026?

Kartik Purnima 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Check your local panchang for the exact Purnima tithi timings.

When is Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi?

Dev Deepawali 2026 is celebrated on the evening of Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November 2026, on the ghats of Varanasi.

Is Guru Nanak Jayanti on the same day as Kartik Purnima in 2026?

Yes. Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, which is Tuesday, 24 November 2026.

What should be donated on Kartik Purnima?

Food grains, jaggery, ghee, diyas, warm clothes and blankets are traditional and practical choices. Give according to your capacity and to people who genuinely need it.

What is the difference between Diwali and Dev Deepawali?

Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya (8 November in 2026) and celebrates Lakshmi and Lord Ram’s return. Dev Deepawali falls on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days later, and celebrates Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura, when the gods themselves are said to celebrate.

Conclusion

Kartik Purnima 2026 brings together three streams of devotion on a single moonlit Tuesday: the Ganga snan of the Sanatan tradition, the lamps of Dev Deepawali in Kashi, and the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bathe, give, light a diya and spend a few quiet minutes under the full moon. If you would like guidance on how this season is unfolding in your own chart, you can explore our horoscopes or book a consultation with me.